American Goldfinch
65The American goldfinch is the smallest bird that comes to our feeders. Sunflower seeds are too big for them. They like thistle seeds which they eat upside down from a special feeder designed to prevent raids by sparrows and larger birds.
Goldfinches are found throughout the U.S. and southern Canada. The Canadian goldfinches head south in winter. They are found year round in the central United States.
They inhabit weedy fields, woodland edges and open habitats with scattered shrubs. In the winter goldfinches roam in noisy flocks, seeding food in fields, gardens and feeding stations.
Goldfinches are seedeaters in all seasons, consuming a variety of weed, grass and plant seeds and tree buds.
See: "Michigan Bird Watching, A Year-Round Guide" by Bill Thompson III and the staff of Bird Watchers Digest.
American goldfinch feeding
American Goldfinch feeding
American goldfinch--male
American goldfinch--male
American goldfinch-male
Two males and a female American goldfinch
Male American goldfinch
we have found a baby goldfinch with malformed feet, and cannot perch. We are intouch with bird rehibilitators, but they donnot want that baby if it does not live through the next few days with us. we have successfully fed it some thistle, but it wont eat enough food to stay alive. any suggestions??? emails me at snowflake41796@yahoo.com thank you
Sorry! I don't have a suggestion. My hobby is photography and I like to take pictures of birds, but I don't have any particular expertise for caring for them. Thanks for your comment.
Grind up thistle seeds and hulled sunflower seeds in a CLEAN coffee grinder (no caffeine!) add water to make a thin gruel. Feed 0.3 cc at a time, or whatever amount that it doesnt spill out of mouth and bird can swallow easily. Less is Best! Multiple feedings as the baby cries, which is constant, maybe every 10 minutes while you are home! Do your best, they can survive long stretches without food although its not good for them. Check goldfinch sites on the internet for other foods they like, grind it up and go for it. Good Luck!
Thanks for your comment, and good suggestions.
i have gold fiches in my tree
I love Goldfinches there so bright!
Armchair Birder 5 years ago
The American Goldfinch is my all time favorite bird. I had an amazing experience raising an orphaned Goldfinch and releasing it very successfully back into the wild. Sort of like "Born Free" of the the bird world experience.